A new solar system is intended to turn fences into a fully-fledged photovoltaic system. The manufacturer promises high morning and evening yields and up to 18.8 kW of power.
A solar system on the garden fence that can feed three-phase electricity into the house network: This is what the Austrian company Sunbooster promises with its new one Vertical+ solar fence system. Double rod mesh fences serve as supports for flexible photovoltaic strips. This should even provide significantly more electricity than classic solar systems on the roof.
From a balcony power plant to a “full-blown” solar system
The first version Sunbooster Vertical was still designed like a balcony power plant. The power was limited to 800 watts and thus the fence length was limited to around ten meters. This should now be different with the successor: several modules can be connected in series. A dual-field regulator with low DC voltage is intended to influence yield and safety. The electricity generated can be fed in in 3 phases.
Alternatively, connection is possible via a standard string inverter and even an optional storage device.
Systems can be expanded to up to 100 meters
According to the manufacturer, you can… modular fence panels in lengths up to 100 meters combine. Sunbooster provides the maximum overall performance 18.8 kilowatts to. This means that the fence system achieves performance values that are even higher than those of many roof systems. Large roof systems rarely achieve values beyond 15 kWp.
For previous systems that have already been installed, the company has announced a conversion to Vertical+ by replacing the inverters. The flexible strips will continue to be threaded into existing double wire mesh fences.
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Higher yields in the morning and evening
The modules used are working bifacialso they can absorb light from both sides. According to the manufacturer, the vertical alignment of the elements results in higher yields, especially in the morning and evening when the sun is low. In the fall and winter months, reflected light from snow can also play a role.
According to the manufacturer, the system is therefore suitable as a supplement to roof and open-space systems. PV strips in the fence add another form of installation that fits into existing property structures. It is also conceivable to equip fence systems in sections.
Prices for the fence modules are steep
Whether and when such a system pays off financially depends on several factors, including the costs of the electricity otherwise drawn from the grid and individual circumstances. With around 515 euros per module With a length of two meters, the system prices add up quickly. After all, installation is child’s play; professionals only need to connect it to the home network.
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